The government’s lack of enough staff and high number of cases is a problem they created themselves and doesn’t excuse ignoring court orders, said U.S. District Judge Laura Provinzino from Minnesota.
“I don’t think I need to explain things again.
It’s clear what needs to be done,” she said. “The person needs his documents right away, and there will be a $500 penalty every day after tomorrow if they aren’t given to his lawyer.”
The case involves a noncitizen who was detained by agents during Trump’s harsh immigration policies.
Judge Provinzino had previously ordered that the man — a Mexican national who has lived quietly in Minnesota since 2018 — be released because he was held illegally. Not only that, but she also ordered all his belongings to be returned to him. The administration did not follow her order and even released him in Texas, despite her instructions to the contrary.
“It’s really concerning based on the court’s review of the case,” she said.
Judge Provinzino has now ordered the administration’s lawyer, Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Isihara, to pay $500 each day the documents aren’t returned to the man.
Isihara, who is a military lawyer, tried to explain the issue by saying it was unintentional and caused by the large number of cases created by the now-ended Operation Metro Surge.
But the judge clearly wasn’t convinced by his explanation.
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